Recall Register

2003 Subaru Outback: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2003 Subaru Outback. The newest campaign is 20V002000. NHTSA received the report on 2 Jan 2020. The NHTSA record gives the component Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module. NHTSA has 93 complaints on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 20V002000, in the NHTSA record

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.

NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on . Complaint file through . Recall file through .

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

14 campaigns, newest first. 1,916,339 units in total.

  • 20V002000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 20V003000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 20V001000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 16V361000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 16V358000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 16V359000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 15V323000Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
  • 14V763000Air Bags
  • 04V128000Vehicle Speed Control / Cables
  • 03V232000Suspension / Front
  • 03V153000Suspension / Rear
  • 02V282000Power Train / Automatic Transmission
  • 02V240000Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System
  • 02V235000Wheels

  1. 20V002000Received . 127,547 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKB-20. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  2. 20V003000Received . 111,562 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKC-20. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  3. 20V001000Received . 258,813 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKA-20. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  4. 16V361000Received . 62,940 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKC-16. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  5. 16V358000Received . 302,127 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKA-16. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  6. 16V359000Received . 146,010 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number TKB-16. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  7. 15V323000Received . 432,016 units.

    Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number WQR-53. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  8. 14V763000Received . 4,175 units.

    Air Bags

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.

    Report filed by Subaru of America, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number WQP-51. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  9. 04V128000Received . 127,580 units.

    Vehicle Speed Control / Cables

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number WWQ-01. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  10. 03V232000Received . 350 units.

    Suspension / Front

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, certain left-hand front transverse link components were produced with poor paint quality. If the vehicle is operated form an extensive period in a salt-belt area, continued exposure to salt could cause the left front transverse link to rust and eventually break.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    If the transverse link were to break due to rusting, control of the vehicle could be affected without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began august 1, 2003. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number WWN-97. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  11. 03V153000Received . 170,000 units.

    Suspension / Rear

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, could result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number WWM-96. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  12. 02V282000Received . 172,564 units.

    Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.. Manufacturer campaign number WWK-94. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  13. 02V240000Received . 555 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began september 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC..

  14. 02V235000Received . 100 units.

    Wheels

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines, the aluminum wheels may have an off-center diameter.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    This can result in the eventual loosening of the wheel hub-nuts during vehicle usage, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace all 4 aluminum wheels. Owner notification began september 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

    Report filed by SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

93 complaints, 116 component mentions.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

  • 2003 Subaru Outback
  • All 2003 vehicles
2003 Subaru Outback: complaints by component, per 1,000 component mentions
Component2003 OutbackAll 2003 vehiclesOutback, all yearsMentions
Air Bags163.882.2109.219
Engine and Engine Cooling120.777.759.214
Power Train112.1121120.713
Suspension94.857.252.211
Vehicle Speed Control86.24273.210
Electrical System60.3123.783.17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic51.758.728.76
Tires43.120.421.25
Structure43.16228.75
Engine43.127.360.45

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 20.

Complaints that report a crash
7
Complaints that report a fire
1
Injuries in the complaints
3
Deaths in the complaints
0
Date of the newest complaint
17 Dec 2018

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Complaints about the 2003 Subaru Outback, by the year NHTSA received them. The largest year is 2003, with 11 complaints.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2003 Subaru Outback
NumberTypeSubjectComponentOpenedClosedCampaign
EA15001Engineering analysisAir Bag Inflator RuptureAir Bags / Frontal24 Feb 2015Open14V668
PE14016Preliminary evaluationAir Bag Inflator RuptureAir Bags / Frontal11 Jun 20142 Mar 201513V172000

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

  1. 19951
  2. 19962
  3. 19974
  4. 19982
  5. 19991
  6. 20001
  7. 20013
  8. 20024
  9. 200314
  10. 200410
  11. 20059
  12. 20067
  13. 20078
  14. 20088
  15. 200913
  16. 201018
  17. 201116
  18. 201216
  19. 201312
  20. 201410
  21. 20155
  22. 20164
  23. 20174
  24. 20183
  25. 20193
  26. 20206
  27. 20214
  28. 20224
  29. 20232

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

Official channels

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2003 Subaru Outback: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/subaru/outback/2003/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through .

Sources

Source
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence
US government work, public domain
Recall file through
29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through
15 May 2019
First complaint in the file
1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file
Subaru of America, Inc.

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2003 Subaru Outback?
1,916,339 units in 14 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Subaru Outback have for all model years?
NHTSA lists 71 recall campaigns for the Subaru Outback, model years 1995 to 2023. 14 of them name the 2003 model year.
Which component do the complaints about the 2003 Subaru Outback name most often?
Air Bags: 19 of 116 component mentions, or 163.8 per 1,000. For all 2003 vehicles the figure is 82.2 per 1,000.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2003 Subaru Outback open?
1 investigation has no closing date in the NHTSA file, of 2 that name this model year.